About UsHillside Herbals is located in Jefferson, Ma on 5 south-facing hillside acres of mixed woods and field. I have been here about 10 years and started building the family vegetable garden using organic methods. Old apple trees were here before we were and we have been working on healing and caring for them since my arrival, also, using organic methods.

I would have to say that getting started in an herbal business was not my first pursuit, yet all of my childhood was spent exploring the nearby forests and fields in upstate New York and spending multiple hours outdoors as a young adult. Getting to know the plants has been a life-time pursuit for me. I believe understanding and appreciating herbal medicine begins with "knowing" the plants. I think that is what was happening way back then. Perhaps, this is how I got started.

Hillside Herbals is an integration of my academic pursuits of Botany, Herbalism, Midwifery and Breastfeeding Medicine (which I hold a Masters in both Botany and Nursing), with my intuitive knowledge and my affirmation that what is already here for us is meant to heal and nourish us.

This herbal "business" is my way to, at last, pass on my love, reverence and awe of the plant world in which we live. Plants are powerful and we can all benefit from integrating them into our diets and lifestyles.

Hillside Herbals offers healing alternative and complimentary herbs to support whole body health and well-being. There are many healing properties that are well known that can be found in the leaves, flowers, fruit, bark and roots of plants.

Every ingredient in our teas and tinctures has been mindfully selected. As a healthcare practitioner, as well as clinical herbalist, I value the evidence that can be associated with the herbs that we believe are effective. Over recent history, Herbalism has become a beautiful blend of ancient wisdom and evidence-based research. "Plants are powerful"! I will gladly discuss the intent of our ingredients that I have selected of any of our products with you.

Besides the products that are offered, I offer workshops, weed walks, and talks through out the year at the farm and elsewhere. I do offer one-to-one herbal consultations. Hillside Herbals Facebook and email lists are my current venues for updating news on workshops, walks, etc.

Practices (our standards for raising or making our products)We believe, as stewards of the earth, it is our responsibility to sustain our cultivated lands by utilizing organic methods and practices as best as we can. We use locally made composts (our own), manures (right now, it's aged Alpaca from Princeton) and use organically processed soil amendments (from FEDCO, Maine) when needed. We terrace our garden on our hillside to minimize soil erosion.

Herbs that must be purchased are from regionally local sources first, then, as I spiral out from this region, I purchase herbs from outside of Massachusetts, i.e.New England, and then, finally, US. I only purchase herbs that are "Certified Organic". Also, I use herbs, flowers, fruits, roots, and barks that have been wild-harvested locally from our farm or surroundings. Wild-crafting methods are done mindfully by acknowledging the United Plant Saver's list of rare and endangered plants. I do not harvest these species e.g. Lady Slipper, Trillium, etc. My general practice is to only harvest an herb if there at least 10 in one area.

Many teas will have a percent given of their local herb content. Peppermint, right now, is 100% local. Many of the teas fall in the 5-25% range. There will also be many where I have blended the tea using all certified organic plant sources outside of our region, entirely.

My kitchen is a certified residential kitchen through the town of Holden, so I may process my teas, tinctures, skin care and kitchen products here.

Highlights this Month SpringCould it really be? They have said; "March comes in like a Lion and out like a Lamb without even tryin'". Will we ever see the "Lamb" of this spring? I will surely bet that snow may still lay on the ground through March this year.

Spring is the time to look for roots and the early spring bitter greens that are so good for us. That is, when we will see the ground again we can look for roots and shoots.

You can find the herbal flavors of spring in "Boots and Roots" tea; an earthy blend of the best liver tonic roots, and "Spring Leaf and Flower"; a smooth, and easy to drink, gentle liver tonic tea.

For those cold spring weekend mornings, it's fun to make a roasted chicory café latte. I put together roasted chicory from Frontier Coop Herbs with their dehydrated maple syrup granules into a do-it-yourself kit. All you have to do is add the milk of your choice. Hmmm. Good.

Beverages

Coffee

Chicory has beautiful Aster-like blue flowers and finds itself along the smaller roadsides and waste places blooming in late summer. It's root is much like Dandelion, long and difficult to dig. I am inspired to look for this plant to wild-harvest. If you know of locations of this plant, let me know! Meanwhile, I have used Frontier Cooperative's Certified Organic Roasted Chicory Root and their Organic Maple Syrup (dried) granules to put together a New England version of a contemporary popular hot drink; café latte. Directions are included. Each packet makes 16 ounces. All you have to do is add the milk of your choice; Cow's, Almond, Soy, Goat, etc. I have tried it with cow's milk and almond milk and both are great. Rich and sweet, you won't need to add more. But, top it with whipped cream and a dash of cinnamon and wow, heaven (-in New England)! Each bag makes up 16 ounces of Latte.

(Beverage Tea) The easily grown "common" herbs are often the best for us. The shakers often used Lemon Balm, Borage and the Mints in teas and other drinks. This simple tea is simply delicious. (I am currently out of these herbs that I have grown, but will include my own by next summer.)
Contents: Certified Organic Lemon Balm, Borage, Peppermint.
net wt 1 oz

A Tea for Two - a calming tea for Children (and adults)Order number of bags.

(Nervous System) I love this tea. It is so pretty to look at and so pleasant to drink. It is safe for children but it is appropriate for adults looking for a delicious gentle relaxing afternoon tea.
Contents: Certified Organic Chamomile Blossoms, Chrysanthemum Flowers, Peppermint, Rose Petals, Marshmallow Leaf, Licorice, Passion Flower, Catnip, Borage, Oatstraw.
net wt 1 oz

A classic blend of herbs known to help digestion and for those that experience bloating and cramping. With a few herbs added for relaxation, it is the perfect after-dinner tea.Contents: Certified Organic Peppermint, Fennel Seed, Chamomile, Lemon Balm, Milk Thistle, Anise Seed, Passion Flower, Hops, Lemon Peel,and Ginger.net wt 2 oz

(Beverage Tea) 25% locally grown. Gorgeous to look at in the bag, beautiful to gaze at while sipping. Steeps into a deep orange-red from its rich floral and spice components. Made from certified organic Hibiscus Blossoms, Rosehips, Cinnamon and Orange Peel with locally grown Calendula Blossoms. net wt 2oz

(Digestive System) Herbalists believe that health begins in the liver - our core - where so much forms, metabolizes, processes and sends. "Liver Tonic" herbs support Liver function. Roots serve our core - our root - the liver - for our source of nourishment. This is a very hearty blend of roots which makes up a strong brew. Sweeten with honey if needed. (The boots part has to do with the fact that I needed boots to get the roots in early spring last year. I am out of my own, currently, but will be out there soon!)Contents: Certified Organic Sassafras, Sarsaparilla, Birch Bark, Dandelion Root, Burdock Root, Cinnamon, Ginger and Orange Peel.
net wt 2 oz

(Immune System) Eastern herbs have been well-researched for their immune-supporting abilities. I am not convinced that we don't have western herbs that are similar. For now, I have compromised and blended an east-meets-west tea that uses the best of both (and still taste good!) A citrus-like berry flavor from Shizandra berries with a nutritive (green) twist by using Nettles,it doesn't have that pill-in-a-cup flavor. Contents: Certified Organic Nettles, Burdock Root, Shishandra Berry, Rosehips, Holy Basil, Ginger, Cinnamon, locally grown Calendula, and wild-harvested Red Clover. net wt 2 oz

23% Local. (Digestive System: safe for those with reflux and heartburn) A delightful after dinner tea that is especially created to help those with indigestion and reflux. The herbs chosen are soothing and healing to mucus membranes while easing gastro-intestinal distress.Contains: Contains certified organic Chamomile, Marshmallow leaf, Coriander Seed, Sarsaparilla, Cinnamon, Licorice. Calendula grown locally and wild-harvested Wintergreen.net wt 2 oz

(Nervous System)Evidence-based plant science supports the use of Feverfew for Migraine sufferers. Some take the tea daily along with Feverfew tincture to take the edge off of a Migraine should it appear. Other herbs in this tea are known to help support circulation and alleviate nervous tension.Contents: Certified Organic Feverfew, Linden, Hawthorn Leaf and Flower, Scullcap, Oatstraw, Motherwort, Peppermint and Siberian Ginseng.net wt 1.5 oz

Know someone who is breastfeeding or are you? Many herbs are known to help with milk supply. Sometimes, though, it's stress and lack of sleep that is causing the low milk supply. This tea helps to support milk supply and calm nerves and settle tummies all in one.Ingredients: Fennugreek seeds, milk thistle seeds, fennel seeds, anise seeds, dill seeds, blessed thistle, chamomile, catnip, marshmallow, spearmint and hops. As my local supply of herbs lasts; catnip, marshmallow and hops are mass local grown. All the other herbs are certified organic herbs from reputable sources. 1.5 oz bag.

Here are the basics: Place 1 tsp of dried herbs into your cup. Pour boiling water into your cup, and cover. Allow to steep from 3-4 minutes to 15 minutes depending upon how strong you want your tea. Strain, or remove your tea-grabber spoon. Enjoy! It's about being in control! Use more tea if the cup is large (+10oz) or more tea if you want a stronger brew, quickly. For iced tea or larger volumes, use 2 tablespoons of loose tea per quart. Steep for at least 15 minutes if you are going to add ice. Strain and refrigerate. You can be creative with the floral and beverage teas as these tend to blend well with juices and lemonade for children. Freshly made herbal teas last no more than 3-4 days in the fridge.

(Nervous System)13% local. Just what it says; "Let it go"! De-stress with this tea. It is gently relaxing without creating drowsiness. Lightly steeped for no more than 10 minutes, it reminds of a Reisling with the aroma of Jasmine. It's amazing. The perfect tea for "Sherry Hour", I was told.
Contents: Certified Organic Lemon Balm, Linden Leaf and Flower, and wild-harvested Wintergreen.
net wt 1 oz

Here is one of my favorite summertime beverage teas and will be served at the local farm dinner series, Rutland, Ma., July 20, 2014. It's made from locally grown lemon balm, borage, and peppermint plus red clover. The red clover is wild-harvested (away from roadsides). It is delicious iced with a slice of lemon and touched with a bit of honey. .63 oz bag.

Lemon flavored tea without the lemons! Using locally grown lemon balm, lemon verbena and lemon grass, this tea has its own distinct lemon flavor. Sweeten with honey and chill. It will be an herbal lemonade without the lemons!

Freshly harvested locally and dried, Notorious Nettle Tea is exactly that; "notorious". Nettle is rich in vitamins and minerals. It is considered a liver tonic tea supporting metabolic and immune function. It is the spinach of the herbal tea world being one of the herbs to build us up to be "big and strong". I've known herbies that make the tea by the quart and sip on it all day.

(Nervous System) This is an adult sleep beverage and not intended for children. It contains a blend of herbs that are known to synergistically work together to break tension, demote stress and prepare one's body for rest. It will not leave you with any groggy feeling. Most people only need 1 cup about 1 hour before bed to have a calm and rest-filled sleep. This tea was one of my most popular at the Farmer's Market. *This tea is contraindicated if you are taking anti-depressants. Contents: Certified Organic Lemon Balm, Passion Flower, Hops, St. John's Wort, Kava, Motherwort, Chamomile, Oatstraw, Peppermint, Jamaican Dogwood.net wt 1.5 oz